Jah Man On Sister Superior | chossclimbers.com

Sister Superior.

Castle Valley from summit.

I don’t remember much from this weekend. Guess we flew to SLC on a Friday night. Guess we climbed Jah Man on Saturday. Not sure what happened on Sunday? Weather? Failed attempt on something? Not sure. I do recall that the route gave us some difficulty but was very aesthetic. Stellar views of Castle Valley. Received bad news when we got home.

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Yours truly, our friend Pat, Shirley, and Blondie on Borah Peak (Memorial Day 2002).

We met Patrick in the first mountaineering class we have ever taken. The class was a new experience for all of us. Little did we know that climbing would not only become our hobby but a way of life for all of us! Patrick loved the great outdoors and quickly fell in love with alpine climbing. He was always up for an adventure – be it small or big – if it involved being outdoors in the wilderness. We have subsequently climbed many peaks and routes together and have always enjoyed his cheerful company. Patrick’s interests went beyond climbing. He was the lead guitarist for a local rock band (Spontaneous Woo) and volunteered much of his free time helping others learn mountaineering in the local climbing club. Patrick was also an avid photographer. Some of his outstanding work can be seen on his website.

The normally clear, blue skies of Utah desert we have come to love were so appropriately gray and subdued on that April 10th day – as if foreshadowing to us the news of this tragedy. It was our privilege to have known and climbed with Patrick. He will be very much missed by us and the scores of friends he effortlessly made during his all-too short life. Rest in peace Patrick.

Photos

Castle Valley from near the River Road. Sister Superior is on the left (April 2005).

Shirley on the approach hike (April 2005).

Sister Superior from the approach hike (April 2005).

Shirley and The Convent Mesa (April 2005).

The Rectory and The Priest on the left; Castleton Tower on the right (April 2005).

More approach scenery (April 2005).

Sister Superior (April 2005).

Nearing the base (April 2005).

At the base of the route (April 2005).

Shirley and Sister Superior (April 2005).

A touch of erosion (April 2005).

Leading pitch 1 of Jah Man. This is above the 5.9 mantle move – one move but fairly tough. Squeeze chimney of pitch two is above. There’s much loose blocks on the ledge I’m on – don’t drop anything on your belayer’s head (April 2005).

Shirley topping out on the short (~40 foot) pitch one of Jah Man. In the background is Parriot Mesa. On its extreme right side is Crooked Arrow Spire (slightly detached from the mesa) with its Longbow Chimney 5.8 A0 route (April 2005).

Leading the Sister Squeeze – a 5.8 chimney on pitch two of Jah Man. The only tricky part here is getting into the chimney – blue Alien protects this move just don’t slip (ankle buster) since the ledge is right there. This pitch no longer exists as the flake fell off (April 2005).

Looking back at Shirley from the exit of the pitch 2 chimney (April 2005).

Shirley exiting the chimney (April 2005).

Starting pitch 3 of Jah Man. This is right below the crux moves of the route (April 2005).

Looking back at Shirley from a stance just past the crux traverse (roughly the midpoint of pitch 3; April 2005).

Done with the hard section of pitch 3 (April 2005).

View down towards Shirley from the pitch 3 belay station (April 2005).

Shirley making progress (April 2005).

The easier upper half of pitch 3 (April 2005).

Starting up pitch 4 of Jah Man (April 2005).

Looking back at Shirley from some stance at start of pitch 4 (April 2005).

Leading pitch 4 of Jah Man – thin hands (#0.75 – #1 Camalot…so very thin for me!!!). I’m above the initial 30 foot crux of the pitch but the going did not seem to ease up that much (April 2005).